Chia is an amazing plant-based low sodium source of omega-3 fatty acids. The seeds have an oil content that ranges between 29-33%, and their oil contains the highest percentage of alpha-linolenic acid known (62-64%).

A study conducted in the UK to determine potential food allergens of chia found no evidence that chia exhibited any allergic response. This was the case even with individuals having peanut & tree nut allergies.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, & copper. In fact, chia seeds contain 6 times more calcium, 11 times more phosphorus, and 4.6 times more potassium per 100g of edible portion than does milk.

Chia seeds have 6 times more iron per 100g of edible portion than spinach, 1.8 times more iron than lentils, and 2.4 times more iron than beef liver.

Chia seeds demonstrate strong anti-oxidant activity.

Chia seeds are high in dietary fiber. They are made up of 5% soluble fiber, which appears as clear mucilage when placed in water. Clear mucilage = pudding like oats & extra thick smoothies. 1 TBSP of chia seeds contains 5 grams of fiber.

Unlike flax seed, you do not have to grind chia seeds to reap the benefits.

Um, hello. What are you waiting for?!? Can’t find them in your area? Well, you can click here or here to order some of these little miracle seeds.

Many of you have asked me how I make my blended chia oat bran. Well, I have been Vita-Mixless all week but still managed to make some pretty amazing bowls of chia oats. Here’s my process:

Cook 1/2 cup oat bran with 1 cup of water on stove-top for 1-2 minutes:

Eat right away, or if you prefer thicker oats like me, allow the chia seeds to go to work for 15-30 minutes. You can reheat if you want, but I never do.

Look how thick!

The stats for this bowl, including 1 TBSP of almond butter (just to show you how much goodness it contains): 441 calories, 22.5 grams of fat (37%), 56.4 grams of carbs (37%), 48.9 grams of protein (32%), 21.6 grams of fiber, 71% of your daily iron, & 30% of your daily calcium. The perfect breakfast in my mind…and in my belly. So very filling!

Yesterday was our last full day in Arizona, and it was 96 degrees. I was saying how disappointed I was that I did not have my bathing suit since we had access to a pool, and I’d like to share CD’s suggestion with all of you…

CD’s Random Comment of the Day:

Heather Pie, you can wear my bathing suit…Wow, how very generous of you CD. (Yes, I’m his Heather Pie)

Oh, and thanks to all of you who voted in my poll yesterday. Just so you know, Pa did in fact kick Jay’s ass.

Such a wonderfully informative post. Remember that to maintain the benefits of the omega 3′s its best to keep them from getting too heated. I enjoy my chia seeds as evening snack with apple sauce. Helps keep things moving

Those oats look delish! You’ve now inspired me to add something ELSE to my list of new foods to try in the morning bowl.

I’m a little skeptical about the comparison between chia and dairy, though (no offense to you or your mother-in-law) – 100g of chia seeds is about 3/4 cup – and that’s a lot of chia seeds! Regardless, next time I’m out at the grocery, I’ll pick a bag of these little guys up.

Man, I need to find me some chia seeds, stat!! Those nutritionals are insane!

The BF calls me Jennifer Pie, haha. It stems from an incidence of him sleep-talking and mumbling “Jennifer Pie is my favorite pie in the whole world”. And then I burst out laughing and was dying to tell him about it the next morning! The nickname just stuck.

Thanks for all the chia info. I know they’re popular for thickening, but I didn’t know what the exact nutritional stats were. It sounds like quite the powerhouse! And those oats look great.
Thanks for the Lululemon info, I looked them up and you are right, they are expensive! But they do look great.

That’s right Heather, keep the chia oats-a-comin! So good for you! I love the volume they create! This is funny you mentioned re-heating because I was JUST gonna email you back about this and be like “it seems like they would be cold if they sat for 30 mins” but then I saw your post
Do they get cold? Or is it like luke-warm?
So many possibilities with these guys… they work so well cooked in with grains and so healthy too! (I wonder what they’d do in a soup/stew?)
Bummer about your suit, did you just forget to pack it? (Jay Robb and his sexy muscles musta been taking up too much space in your suit case!!)

Hey Heather, I just started reading your blog and I love it! The info about the Chia seeds is very interesting…can you find them in any stores or just online?

Reading your ‘about me’ and previous posts, I find that I can relate to you on a lot of things. The ‘need to go running to burn the calories’ (I’m also getting used to the idea of just doing yoga, or just hiking/walking and being OK with it). Eating REAL foods….I just got rid of my Splenda addiction! I love your philosophy of eating and health and wanted to let you know you are an inspiration to me and many others I am sure!

I actually just bought my first (tiny) batch of chia seeds the other day! At a bulk food store. I was super excited to find them! They’re a wee bit pricey though so I just got a tiny scoop to test drive first. I’ve been meaning to do a bit of research on them to figure out just what is so darn special about them so this post could not have come at a more perfect time! I think I just might have to make a chialicioius bowl of oats tomorrow morning for some good ol breakfast chow down. Thanks for condensing all of the great chia benefits in one handy dandy post Heather!

Oh. My. Goodness. Heck yes I oughta live in AZ someday…and YOU ought to, too I know, I know, you have your sights set on Colorado. But how can you pass up this gloriousness?!

You certainly have been having some amazing adventures. Between spa trips, Whole Foods (love that one!), and raw restaurants, I am in awe of your trip! I’m so glad you’re having a good time!!

Thank you for all of the information about chia. I saw it at WF last time I was there and was tempted. I think I will have to get some once I clear out some of my stockpiled food. I need to start thinking about the fact that I’m moving in about a month!

I hope you had safe travels back to Tennessee. Glad that you enjoyed yourself in the Arizona sunshine!!

Love to hear the info about the chia seeds! I’m afraid the only image that came to mind was the Chia Pet…and the growing hair! Guess I’m pretty naive!

Anyway, has anyone tried them in smoothies? Do they add a lot of texture or do they blend in pretty well? Will definately try the oatbran for me but with the kids I do the smoothies and sneak in all the goodies (like omega-3 liquid, concentrated greens and vitamin C powder!).

i have a bag of chia seeds in the pantry that i haven’t touched yet.. i’m going to do it, you’ve convinced me
looks like you guys had a great trip to az! i want to go back soon– let me know when your next trip is and hopefully we can get dinner again i think the pilot and christian dior would get along well
hope you have a great day!

Oh my goodness – thanks for linking me here HEAB – I can’t believe what a nutritional all-star these are…I would never find them around here ..bah…no negativity though, nope. maybe one day I’ll find the suckers.